This FOA invites applications that propose to develop, characterize and validate innovative human cellular model systems that recapitulate phenotypic, mechanistic and neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimers Disease-Related Dementias (ADRDs). Model systems will be expected to capture the complex, multi-faceted proteinopathies and/or vascular pathology observed in ADRDs, with multiple cell types represented in each model. Years 3-5 will focus on the extensive characterization and perturbation of the cellular model systems. The overall goal of this FOA is to establish next generation human cellular model systems for ADRDs to serve as tools to interrogate molecular disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage grant applications for investigator-initiated comparative effectiveness research (CER) to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The study must address questions within the mission and research interests of the NINDS and may evaluate preventive strategies, diagnostic approaches, or interventions including drugs, biologics, and devices, or surgical, behavioral, and rehabilitation therapies. Information about the mission and research interests of the NINDS can be found at the NINDS website (https://www.ninds.nih.gov/). Studies proposed should provide a cost-effective means of collecting data with a meaningful bearing on current clinical practice. Awards made under this FOA will initially support a milestone-driven planning phase (UG3) for up to 2 years, with possible transition to a observational study phase of up to five years (UH3). Only UG3 projects that have met the scientific milestones and feasibility requirements may transition to the UH3 phase. The UG3/UH3 application must be submitted as a single application, following the instructions described in this FOA. The UG3 phase for observational studies will permit both scientific and operational planning activities. Scientific planning activities include small-scale data collection to assess the feasibility and/or acceptability of data collection, storage, and planned analyses. Operational planning activities include, at a minimum, development of recruitment and retention strategies, case report forms, data management system and other tools for data and quality management. The UH3 phase of the award will support the conduct of investigator-initiated observational study.

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) encourages research to develop, characterize and validate innovative mammalian models that recapitulate molecular, cellular, neuropathological, behavioral and cognitive hallmarks of the Alzheimers Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD), including Lewy body dementia (LBD), vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and mixed etiology dementias (MED). Models will be expected to exhibit a broad range of features characteristic of the dementia disorder being modeled, including a mid- to late-life onset consistent with the human disorder, multiple age-dependent neuropathological processes and the associated behavioral, cognitive and/or physiological abnormalities. For each proposed mammalian model, a relevant suite of phenotypes that inform human ADRD disease progression and mechanisms should be characterized across the full life span or, for longer-living mammalian models, throughout the disease-relevant stages of adulthood. The goal of this FOA is to establish multi-dimensional mammalian models for ADRD to serve as tools to interrogate molecular disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets.

The purpose of this Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions is to support small scale research grants at institutions that do not receive substantial funding from the NIH, with an emphasis on providing biomedical research experiences for undergraduate students and enhancing the research environment at these applicant institutions. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received less than 6 million dollars per year of NIH support (total costs) in 4 of the last 7 fiscal years. This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) supports investigator-initiated mechanistic and/or minimal risk clinical trials addressing the mission and research interests of the participating NIH institutes. Minimal risk clinical trials are defined as those that do not require FDA oversight, do not intend to formally establish efficacy, and have low risks to potentially cause physical or psychological harm.